Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Peru: Cold temperature in Arequipa kills 5,000 alpacas

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

5,000 alpacas, especially young ones, in Arequipa's highlands have lost their lives because of low temperatures, said Carlos Urquizo, area chief for the region's agricultural department.

"The dead alpacas equal one percent of the 500,000 alpacas in Arequipa, a percent that is normal during this time of year," explained Urquizo.

He stated that to keep more animals from dying, 300 tons of fodder would be purchased to feed the alpacas.

He added that 500 jars of vitamins would also be bought for the animals and that shelters would be built throughout Arequipa.

Some of the areas where shelters will be built are Orcopampa, Chachas, Choco, Chichas, Puyca and Huaynacotas, all of which are at least 3,500 meters (11,482 feet) above sea level.

The cold wave is not only affecting the region's livestock but the area's residents as well. School directors were told to change schedules because of low temperatures.

It was reported that approximately 12,000 children living at these altitudes had to stand the low temperature.

Temperatures drop as low as -18°C (-0.3°F) in schools such as Ventanita al Cielo, which is 4,535 meters (14,878 feet) above sea level.

 | |

• APEC PERU 2008 : Current oil crisis may affect image of Peru during APEC Leaders' Week
• Peru : Interbank organizes real estate convention - Peru lacks 2.1 million homes
• Politics : Discover Petroleum affirms it was victim of dishonest Peru advisors
• Education : Peru: Callao to make all preschools bilingual - 5,000 teachers taught second language
• Economy : Lima stock exchange drops record breaking 11 percent - Trading halted

# Michael says :
6 June, 2008 [ 21:47 ]

I am curious about several points in this article.

First, why did this make the news if it was normal for this many animals to die this time of year?

Second, how does securing more food keep the animals from dying in cold temperatures?

# wow says :
7 June, 2008 [ 09:33 ]

are you an idiot, food is fuel for the body. Its like the body is a furnace without fuel there isnt any heat, go back to school

# Moni says :
7 June, 2008 [ 09:51 ]

I had an opportunity to be at the andes, i don't understand why in the govermment or countries that went to apec don't invest money to save the alpacas when those animals live in the andes and it is the only place in the world. we need to save our country our animals, our fauna, our flora, i always feel that i couldn't contribute to my country but it has to be a concious from the govermment to protect our  beautiful and only animals as alpacas, vicunas that doesn't exist in any other part of the world.

# Pasatiempo says :
7 June, 2008 [ 10:38 ]

I have been to the Arequipa highlands on the way to Colca Canyon and witnessed that many of these animals seem to be  "managed livestock", captured in rock walled pens or fenced in so they have no way to search for natural cover in the sheltered or protected areas of the hills like they would do if they had the choice when bad weather hits. With no shelters overhead they are out in the open to suffer the effects of the weather when they are giving birth and trying to raise young. They are also at the mercy of the farmer for the quality of care and nutrition that they receive. Better animal care management is needed so these animals and their young are not exposed with no means to evade the weather, and better nutrition to maintain the health to cope! 

# Michael says :
7 June, 2008 [ 11:04 ]

wow;

Apparently, you are the one who needs to go back to school.  Eating does not increase the body's temperature.

Animals typically eat more to produce fat, which can help protect against the cold.  However; this is typically done well before cold weather actually arrives.